We knew it was coming and now we know when and where: Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will undergo back surgery in Los Angeles on Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Mike Reiss reported. Previous reports have indicated a 12 week recovery time. This procedure comes after the Pro Bowler underwent four surgeries for his broken forearm, all since November.

Fantasy Analysis:

All of this jives with previous reporting - and continues to make us nervous about making a heavy investment in the touchdown scoring Gronk. When healthy, only Jimmy Graham is his fantasy equal, but assuming Gronkowski can stay healthy is foolish. At 12 weeks from next Tuesday, Gronkowski would return on September 10 or two days after the Patriots season opener.For now he remains a 3-5 fantasy TE draft option because of his scoring potential, but actually spending a high draft pick or significant salary cap dollars is another story. Aaron Hernandez is almost a lock to enter draft season as the No. 2 fantasy TE behind Graham, assuming he avoids further injury himself while Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez and Vernon Davis could overtake Gronk depending on the recovery process.

The new team physician for the Pat's, Dr. Vinnie Boombatz, has had a profound impact on the young career of the league's premier TE. Once considered a clear cut favorite fantasy late 1st to early 2nd Rnd lock, The mighty Gronk has been reduced to a punch-line and at best a 5th Rnd option,